b'Category 2 - Ice / Cold CompressChapter hapterInsects (Centipede, Wasp, Scorpion, Ant, Bee)Although insect bites are quite painful they very rarely cause death unless severe allergic reaction develops. A female bee only stings once and normally leaves a visible barb embedded in the skin with the venom sac attached, which continues to inject venom beneath the skin. The European wasp can sting several times and inject large amounts of venom. When disturbed or handled, bulldog ants and scorpions inject venom through a sting in the tail. Centipedes inject venom by biting and this is normally when handled or disturbed. More Australians die each year from bee stings than from shark attacks.Red Back SpiderThe red back spider is about 1cm long and has a characteristic red or orange stripe on its back. It is found throughout Australia and they prefer cool dark areas such as a shed, a garden pot or in the eaves. The venom can be life threatening for young children or animals. Pressure Immobilisation is not used because the venom moves slowly through the tissues.Any attempt to further slow down the movement of venom can increase local pain. Anti venom is available.White Tail SpiderThe white tail varies in size (usually long rather than wide) from 1.2cm to 1.8cm in length. It has a distinctive thin white stripe on the tip of the tail. The white tail is not considered to be a dangerous spider. It may cause severe inflammation however very few cases of severe local tissue destruction have been recorded. The bite is quite frequent due to its wandering habit and it is often found in the family home among clothing and bed linen.Bush TickThere are several varieties of tick but it is the scrub tick (also known as paralysis tick or bush tick) which is considered to be the most dangerous. It is found in most parts of Australia particularly in humid areas along the East Coast.The tick can be very small (0.5cm) and it is carried by native and domestic animals/pets. The tick may dig and attach itself to any body crevice and feed by burying its head beneath the skin surface. In some susceptible people, tick bite may cause a severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis, which can be life threatening.Common Jellyfish, Hydroids and CoralsMost marine species living in temperate regions are not considered to be dangerous. While the stings are very painful and distressing, they rarely cause life-threatening problems unless a severe allergic reaction develops.Bites and Stings 159'